The Black Death's Aftermath: Understanding Medieval Anger and Resentment

The Black Death was a bubonic plague pandemic that swept through Europe and Asia in the 14th century. The pandemic is estimated to have killed between 75 and 200 million people, or about one-third of the population of Europe.

After the Black Death, there was widespread anger and resentment among the survivors. This was due to a number of factors, including:

* Economic dislocation: The Black Death disrupted the economy, causing widespread unemployment and poverty. Many people lost their homes and livelihoods, and some were even forced to resort to cannibalism.

* Social upheaval: The Black Death led to a breakdown of social order. The traditional social hierarchy was disrupted, and many people began to question the authority of the church and the nobility.

* Religious persecution: The Black Death was often seen as a punishment from God for the sins of humanity. This led to widespread persecution of Jews and other minority groups, who were often blamed for the plague.

* Political instability: The Black Death also led to political instability. Many governments were overthrown, and there was widespread violence and unrest.

The anger and resentment that followed the Black Death were a major factor in the outbreak of the Hundred Years' War, which lasted from 1337 to 1453. The war was a devastating conflict that further weakened Europe and contributed to the social, economic, and political changes of the late Middle Ages.